Invest NI helps businesses tap into opportunities in water sector

Nine local businesses pitched innovative product, services and technology solutions to NI Water and Irish Water today at an event organised by Invest Northern Ireland.

Focussing on innovation in the water and waste water sectors, the event was organised to give businesses the opportunity to learn about opportunities in the sector and present solutions to address some of the challenges facing water utility providers.

Olive Hill, Invest NI Executive Director of Strategy said: “As part of our work to identify emerging sectors and new business opportunities, we see potential for Northern Ireland businesses to secure regional, national and international contracts in the water and wastewater sector.

We see potential for Northern Ireland businesses to secure regional, national and international contracts in the water and wastewater sector. By partnering with NI Water and Irish Water we have provided an opportunity for businesses to hear directly from the industry on what these opportunities are.

- Olive Hill, Invest NI

“By partnering with NI Water and Irish Water we have provided an opportunity for businesses to hear directly from the industry on what these opportunities are, and to pitch innovative solutions to some of the challenges facing the sector. The top pitches will then have the opportunity to go on to meet with the procurement teams at NI Water and Irish Water and potentially pitch for future supply chain opportunities.”

Over 200 delegates attended the event to hear from guest speaker John Joyce, Chief Economist at the Stockholm International Water Institute. John provided an international perspective and an overview of the challenges facing the industry and the associated emerging business opportunities, including the work he is currently carrying out in association with the Rockefeller Foundation on global resilience and the availability of fresh water supply.

Sara Venning, CEO at NI Water said: “The purpose of today was to encourage more businesses to engage in research and development and innovation to support the delivery of efficient water systems in the future.

“I do not think anyone is in doubt about the changing times we find ourselves in. Use of technologies such as big data, data analytics, intelligent systems and advanced sensors are all expected to play an increasingly significant role in the water and waste water sector.”

This event is a great example of collaboration between industry and public bodies...

- Gerry Galvin, Irish Water

Gerry Galvin, Chief Technical Advisor at Irish Water said: “This event is a great example of collaboration between industry and public bodies to provide information to support businesses to win new contracts.

“We have been really encouraged by the presentations we heard today and the innovative solutions proposed. We can see real business opportunities for the companies, locally and internationally.”